Port of Prince Rupert Export Logistics Project Moves Forward

The Ridley Island Export Logistics Project at the Port of Prince Rupert “is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects,” a determination recently made by Canada’s federal authorities, the Prince Rupert Port Authority announced March 2.

The determination completes the federal environmental review process, a prerequisite that allows federal officials to consider the authorizations necessary to move forward on the project, which consists of “an integrated ecosystem of large-scale bulk and breakbulk transload facilities, intermodal rail yard, and a container storage yard” at the south end of Ridley Island.

The project allows for the handling of plastic pellets, cereal grains, specialty agriculture crops, lumber, pulp and other products to be moved from rail into containers for export, the port said.

The first phase is expected to create 400,000 TEUs of export capacity, the port added.

“The new export logistics facility will increase efficiencies in export supply chains, maximizing value to Canadian exporters while supporting the substantial growth of the intermodal business at the Port of Prince Rupert,” the port said in a statement.

Once required permits are secured, work such as clearing trees and preparing the site for construction could begin as soon as this month.

Meanwhile, the port authority is working with commercial partners on a Final Investment Decision on the project, which is planned for later this year.

More on the Federal Environmental Determination is available at https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/80610.